Tax Information for International Students

Tax Information for International Students

Are international students required to file with the IRS?

All non-immigrant international students who were in the United States during a calendar year (any time between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31) are required to file tax documents with the federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by April 15 of the following year. (For example, students in the country for all or a portion of 2018 must file taxes in 2019.) You must file a tax report whether or not you worked in the United States, earned income in the United States or received a scholarship.

Where can I get tax assistance?

If you have general questions about filing taxes, contact the Designated School Official (DSO) on your campus. We cannot provide tax or legal advice, however, so you may need to seek professional help from a tax preparer for assistance with specific tax issues or questions. You may find answers to some of your questions on the IRS website.

What forms will I need to complete as an international student?

If you were in the United States for even a day during the calendar year but earned NO income, you need to complete Form 8843 and mail it to the IRS (the address is listed below) on or before April 15.

If this is your sixth year in the United States and you have lived in the United States for five consecutive years without a break, you are considered a resident alien for tax purposes only and can complete the standard federal and state tax forms.

Where do I send my tax forms?

Remember to make copies of your tax documents before you mail them to: